Capsule and a system for preparing a potable beverage from such a capsule

ABSTRACT

Capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage. The capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a side wall and an outwardly extending flange and a sealing member for providing a fluid sealing contact with an enclosing member of a beverage preparation device. The beverage preparation device comprises an annular element having a free contact end which is provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves. The sealing member comprises a separate crushable element made of aluminum provided on the capsule body at a side thereof, which side is—when seen from the outwardly extending flange—opposite the cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/NL2017/050301, filed May 15, 2017, which claims priority toNetherlands Patent Application No. NL 2016779, filed May 13, 2016, theentire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a capsule containing a substance for thepreparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving thesubstance by means of supplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule,wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a centralcapsule body axis and a total height, said aluminum capsule body beingprovided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending flange,the capsule further comprising an aluminum cover attached to theoutwardly extending flange, the cover having a cover wall thickness andhermetically closing the capsule, wherein the capsule further comprisesa sealing member for providing a fluid sealing contact with an enclosingmember of a beverage preparation device if the closed capsule ispositioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceand the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of thebeverage preparation device, such as an extraction plate of the beveragepreparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of theclosed capsule and at least a portion of the sealing member of theclosed capsule provide a sealing between the enclosing member and theclosing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein the enclosingmember of the beverage preparation device comprises an annular elementhaving a central annular element axis and a free contact end, said freecontact end of the annular element optionally being provided with aplurality of radially extending open grooves.

A capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potablebeverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance supplying a fluidunder pressure into the capsule is known from EP-B-1 700 548. In theknown system the capsule is provided with a sealing member having theshape of a step, i.e., a sudden increase of the diameter of the sidewall of the capsule, and the enclosing member of this known system has asealing surface acting on the sealing member to provide deflection ofthe sealing member, the sealing surface being inclined so that thedeflection of the sealing member is an inwards and downwards deformationof the step. Furthermore in the known system the enclosing membercomprises a capsule holder and a manually operated or an automaticmechanism for relative displacement of the enclosing member and thecapsule holder. The manually operated or an automatic mechanism appliesa force on the sealing member of the capsule when the enclosing membercloses on the capsule holder. This force should ensure the fluid tightseal between the enclosing member and the capsule. Because the manuallyoperated or an automatic mechanism is arranged to be moved relative tothe base, the sealing capabilities of the system can depend on thepressure of the fluid supplied by the fluid supply means. If thepressure of the fluid increases, the force between the sealing member ofthe capsule and the free end of the enclosing member increases too andthereby the force between the sealing member of the capsule and the freeend of the enclosing member increases also. Such a system is describedfurther on. The sealing member of the capsule must be arranged such thatupon reaching the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosing member thesealing member should still provide a fluid sealing contact between theenclosing member and the capsule. However, the sealing member must alsobe arranged such that prior to, or at the start of, brewing when thepressure of the fluid in the enclosing member outside the capsule isrelatively low, the sealing member also provides a fluid sealing contactbetween the enclosing member and the capsule. If at the start ofbrewing, there would not exist a fluid sealing contact between thecapsule and the enclosing member, leakage will occur. However, ifleakage occurs there is a real chance that the pressure in the enclosingmember and outside the capsule will not sufficiently increase forincreasing the force on the sealing member by means of the free end ofthe enclosing member if the manually operated or an automatic mechanismmoves the enclosing member towards the capsule holder. Only if there isa sufficient initial sealing, the pressure in the enclosing member willincrease whereby also the force of the free end of the enclosing memberacting on the sealing member of the capsule will increase for providinga sufficient fluid sealing contact at also the increased fluid pressure.Moreover, this increased fluid pressure outside the capsule alsoprovides an increased fluid pressure inside the capsule which isessential if the capsule is provided with a cover which is arranged totear open on relief members of the capsule holder (also called anextraction plate) of the beverage preparation device under the influenceof fluid pressure in the capsule.

It follows from the above that the sealing member is a member which isvery critical in design. It should be able to provide a fluid sealingcontact between the enclosing member and the capsule at a relatively lowfluid pressure if only a relatively small force is applied on thesealing member by means of the free end of the enclosing member but itshould also provide a fluid sealing contact at a much higher fluidpressure in the enclosing member outside the capsule if a higher forceis applied by means of the free end of the enclosing member to thesealing member of the capsule. In particular, when the free contact endof the enclosing member is provided with radially extending open grooveswhich act as air inlet passage once the force between the enclosingmember and the capsule holder is released so that it is easier for auser to take out the capsule, the sealing member must also be able to‘close’ the radially extending open grooves to provide an effectiveseal.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative capsule withan alternative sealing member which is relatively easy to manufacture,which is environmentally friendly if the capsule is disposed of afteruse and/or which provides a satisfactory sealing both at a relativelylow fluid pressure if only a relatively small force is applied on thesealing member by means of the free end of the enclosing member(sometimes also called initial seal) and at a much higher fluid pressureif a higher force is applied (e.g. during brewing) by means of the freeend of the enclosing member to the sealing member of the capsule, evenin case of an enclosing member of which the free contact end is providedwith radially extending open grooves.

In accordance with the invention there is provided in a first aspect acapsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potable beverageby extracting and/or dissolving the substance by means of supplying afluid under pressure into the capsule, wherein the capsule comprises analuminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis and a totalheight, said aluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a sidewall and an outwardly extending flange, the capsule further comprisingan aluminum cover attached to the outwardly extending flange, the coverhaving a cover wall thickness and hermetically closing the capsule,wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing member for providing afluid sealing contact with an enclosing member of a beverage preparationdevice if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by meansof a closing member of the beverage preparation device, such as anextraction plate of the beverage preparation device, such that theoutwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of thesealing member of the capsule provide a sealing between the enclosingmember and the closing member of the beverage preparation device,wherein the enclosing member of the beverage preparation devicecomprises an annular element having a central annular element axis and afree contact end, said free contact end of the annular elementoptionally being provided with a plurality of radially extending opengrooves, characterized in that, the sealing member comprises a separatecrushable element made of aluminum provided on the capsule body at aside thereof, which side is—when seen from the outwardly extendingflange—opposite the cover. Since the sealing member comprises a separatecrushable element made of aluminum provided on the capsule body at aside thereof, which side is—when seen from the outwardly extendingflange—opposite the cover the capsule as well as the separate crushableelement are relatively easy to manufacture. Furthermore by means of theseparate crushable element a satisfactory sealing with the enclosingmember and the closing member, in particular an enclosing member havinga free contact end provided with radially extending open grooves, can beprovided. In addition, the separate crushable element can facilitatepositioning of the capsule inside the beverage preparation device.

In this application the existence of a fluid sealing contact means that0-6%, preferably 0-4%, more preferably 0-2.5% of the total fluidsupplied to the enclosing member for preparing the beverage may leakaway due to leakage between the free contact end and the capsule.

The invention is in particular advantageous when in an embodiment of acapsule the capsule contains an extractable product as substance for thepreparation of a potable beverage, said extractable product preferablybeing 5-20 grams, preferably 5-10 grams, more preferably 5-7 grams ofroasted and ground coffee.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which is inparticular easy to manufacture the outer diameter of the outwardlyextending flange of the capsule is larger than the diameter of thebottom of the capsule. Preferably, the outer diameter of the outwardlyextending flange is approximately 37.1 mm and the diameter of the bottomof the capsule is about 23.3 mm.

The invention is in particular advantageous when in an embodiment of acapsule the thickness of the aluminum capsule body is such that it isdeformed easily if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member ofthe beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed bymeans of a closing member of the beverage preparation device, preferablythe thickness of the aluminum capsule body is 20 to 200 micrometer,preferably 100 micrometer.

The invention is in particular advantageous when in an embodiment of acapsule the cover wall thickness of the aluminum cover is 15 to 65micrometer, preferably 30 to 45 micrometer and most preferred 39micrometer.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention the wallthickness of the aluminum cover is smaller than the wall thickness ofthe aluminum capsule body.

In a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention thealuminum cover is arranged to tear open on a closing member of thebeverage preparation device, such as an extraction plate of the beveragepreparation device under the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which is inparticular easy to manufacture the side wall of the aluminum capsulebody has a free end opposite the bottom, the outwardly extending flangeextending from said free end of the side wall in a direction at leastsubstantially transverse to the central capsule body axis. Preferably,the outwardly extending flange comprises a curled outer edge, which isbeneficial in obtaining for a satisfactory sealing with the free contactend provided with radially extending open grooves.

The radius about the central capsule body axis of an inner edge of thecurled outer edge of the outwardly extending flange is preferably atleast 32 mm, so that clearance from the annular end surface of theenclosure member is ensured. It is then preferred that the sealingmember is positioned between the free end of the side wall of thealuminum capsule body and an inner edge of the curled outer edge of theoutwardly extending flange to obtain a still further satisfactorysealing.

To ensure that the curled outer edge does not interfere with operationof a wide variety of commercially available and future beveragepreparation apparatuses, the curled outer edge of the outwardlyextending flange has a largest dimension of about 1.2 millimeter.

The invention is in particular beneficial for capsules of which theinner diameter of the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsulebody is about 29.5 mm. The distance between the free end of the sidewall of the aluminum capsule body and an outermost edge of the outwardlyextending flange can be about 3.8 millimeter. The preferred height ofthe aluminum capsule body is about 28.4 mm.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which after useis easier for a user to take out of a beverage preparation device thealuminum capsule body is truncated, wherein preferably the side wall ofthe aluminum capsule body encloses an angle with a line transverse tothe central capsule body axis of about 97.5°.

In an advantageous embodiment of a capsule according to the inventionthe bottom of the aluminum capsule body has a largest inner diameter ofabout 23.3 mm. It is preferred that the bottom of the aluminum capsulebody is truncated, preferably having a bottom height of about 4.0 mm andthat the bottom further has a generally flat central portion oppositethe cover having a diameter of about 8.3 mm.

In a preferred embodiment of a capsule according to the invention thecapsule comprises an inner surface, and wherein on the inner surface ofat least the side wall of the capsule an inner coating is provided. Inparticular when the capsule is manufactured by deep drawing the innercoating facilitates the deep drawing process. In case the aluminum coverof the capsule is attached to the outwardly extending flange by means ofa sealing lacquer it is then in particular advantageous when said innercoating is composed of the same material as the sealing lacquer.

In a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention thecapsule comprises an outer surface, wherein on the outer surface of thecapsule a color lacquer is provided. In order to facilitate in deepdrawing it is preferred to provide on an outer surface of the color.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which is easyto manufacture the outwardly extending flange is flat and extendstransversely to the central capsule body axis.

In a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention theseparate crushable element is made of aluminum having an effectivedensity of about 10% Al. Aluminum with such a density, herein alsocalled soft aluminum, can provide a proper sealing in particular whenthe enclosing member is provided with radially extending open grooves.

In a still further embodiment of a capsule according to the inventionthe separate crushable element is a ring provided on the surface of theoutwardly extending flange opposite the cover, said ring having an outerdiameter of 34 mm, an inner diameter of 30 mm, a thickness of 1 mm and amass of about 0.07 grams, said ring surrounding the side wall. It thencan be advantageous when on a surface of the ring opposite the outwardlyextending flange the ring is covered with an Al-foil and/or when betweenthe ring and the outwardly extending flange an Al-foil is arrangedand/or when on a surface of the ring between the ring and the side wallan Al-foil is arranged and/or when on a surface of the ring opposite theside wall the ring is covered with an Al-foil.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a capsule according to theinvention the ring is provided with a sleeve extending towards thebottom of the capsule, said ring being provided at the inner diameterthereof. By means of the sleeve the seal between capsule and enclosingmember in particular when the enclosing member is provided with radiallyextending open grooves can be improved.

In an alternative embodiment of a capsule according to the invention theseparate crushable element comprises a plurality of Al-foils randomlyapplied in layers on a surface of the outwardly extending flangeopposite the cover. In a further embodiment of a capsule according tothe invention the Al-foils are compressed before application on thesurface of the outwardly extending flange. Additionally, oralternatively, the separate crushable element comprises a plurality ofAl-foils randomly applied in layers on the side wall of the capsule. Inthe latter case it is preferred when the plurality of Al-foils cover atleast 40% of the total height of the capsule body, preferably theplurality of Al-foils cover 50% of the total height of the capsule body.

In a further alternative embodiment of a capsule according to theinvention the separate crushable element comprises a two Al-foilscompressed to a washer, said washer being arranged on a surface of theoutwardly extending flange opposite the cover. In a further embodimentof a capsule according to the invention the washer has an inner diameterand is provided with a sleeve extending towards the bottom of thecapsule, said sleeve being provided at the inner diameter. By means ofthe sleeve the seal between capsule and enclosing member in particularwhen the enclosing member is provided with radially extending opengrooves can be improved. The previously mentioned embodiments provide agood sealing in particular when the Al-foil has a thickness of 0.3 μm.

In a further alternative embodiment of a capsule according to theinvention the separate crushable element comprises a folded Al-foilhaving a thickness of 10 μm tightly wrapped around the side wall, saidfolded Al-foil extending from the outwardly extending flange over atleast 40% of the total height of the capsule body, preferably over about50% of the total height of the capsule body.

In a still further alternative embodiment of a capsule according to theinvention the separate crushable element comprises a nine folded Al-foilhaving a thickness of 10 μm loosely wrapped around the side wall, saidfolded Al-foil extending from the outwardly extending flange over atleast 40% of the total height of the capsule body, preferably over about50% of the total height of the capsule body.

In a yet further alternative embodiment of a capsule according to theinvention the separate crushable element comprises a twelve foldedAl-foil having a thickness of 10 μm wrapped around the side wall, saidfolded Al-foil extending from the outwardly extending flange over about20 to 40% of the total height of the capsule body, preferably over about25% of the total height of the capsule body.

In a still further alternative embodiment of a capsule according to theinvention the separate crushable element comprises a verticallycorrugated two ply Al-foil having a thickness of 10 μm arranged aroundthe side wall, said folded Al-foil extending from the outwardlyextending flange over about 20 to 40% of the total height of the capsulebody, preferably over about 25% of the total height of the capsule body.It can then be advantageous when the vertically corrugated two plyAl-foil is provided with an Al-collar having a thickness of 10 μm on atleast one of the following: a side of the vertically corrugated Al-foilopposite the outwardly extending flange, a side of vertically corrugatedAl-foil opposite the side wall, a side of vertically corrugated Al-foilbetween the outwardly extending flange and the vertically corrugatedAl-foil and a side of vertically corrugated Al-foil between the sidewall and the vertically corrugated Al-foil, said vertically corrugatedAl-foil extending from the outwardly extending flange over about 20 to40% of the total height of the capsule body, preferably over about 25%of the total height of the capsule body.

In yet a further alternative embodiment of a capsule according to theinvention the separate crushable element is a ring provided on thesurface of the outwardly extending flange opposite the cover, said ringhaving an outer diameter of 34 mm, an inner diameter of 30 mm, said ringbeing die cut from 32 layers of 10 μm Al-foil pressed together to asingle washer.

In an even further alternative embodiment of a capsule according to theinvention the separate crushable element is a ring provided on thesurface of the outwardly extending flange opposite the cover, said ringhaving an outer diameter of 34 mm, an inner diameter of 30 mm, said ringbeing formed of eight Al-layers each having the same thickness as thecover, each Al-layer being separately die cut and stacked on each otheron the outwardly extending flange. Alternatively, the separate crushableelement is a ring provided on the surface of the outwardly extendingflange opposite the cover, said ring having an outer diameter of 34 mm,an inner diameter of 30 mm, said ring being formed of seven Al-layerseach having the same thickness as the cover, said seven Al-layers beingstacked and thereafter die cut and arranged on the outwardly extendingflange.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention, wherein thealuminum is grade 1000 series Al, the sealing member is relatively easyto manufacture, which is environmentally friendly if the capsule isdisposed of after use. Please note that in alternative embodiments alsoaluminum alloys can be used.

The above mentioned alternative embodiments appear to provide asatisfactory seal during use of the capsule.

In accordance with an embodiment of a capsule according to the inventiona satisfactory sealing both at a relatively low fluid pressure and at amuch higher fluid pressure, even in case of an enclosing member which isprovided with radially extending open grooves, can be obtained when thesealing member is loose from the side wall and the outwardly extendingflange. Thus there is no need to attach or seal or otherwise attach thesealing member to the capsule.

In particular when the outwardly extending flange is flat and extendstransversely to the central capsule body axis, the separate crushableelement provides a satisfactory seal during use of the capsule.

In a still further embodiment of a capsule according to the inventionthe separate crushable element is positioned such that the free contactend of the annular element comes into contact with the separatecrushable element.

In the light of this invention with crushable element is meant anelement which is deformable if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device. Further, in the light of this invention withseparate crushable element is meant a crushable element which is notintegrally formed together with the aluminum capsule body but is formedas a separate component.

In accordance with the invention there is provided in a second aspect asystem for preparing a potable beverage from a capsule using a fluidsupplied under pressure into the capsule, comprising:

-   -   a capsule according to the invention;    -   a beverage preparation device comprising an enclosing member for        receiving the capsule, wherein the enclosing member comprises        fluid supply means for supplying fluid under pressure into the        capsule, wherein the beverage preparation device further        comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, for        closing the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device,        wherein the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device        further comprises an annular element having a central annular        element axis and a free contact end, said free contact end of        the annular element optionally being provided with a plurality        of radially extending open grooves;    -   the sealing member of the capsule being arranged for providing a        fluid sealing contact with the enclosing member of the beverage        preparation device if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing        member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing        member is closed by means of the closing member of the beverage        preparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of        the capsule and at least a portion of the sealing member of the        capsule provide a sealing between the enclosing member and the        closing member of the beverage preparation device.

Since the sealing member comprises a separate crushable element made ofaluminum provided on the capsule body at a side thereof, which sideis—when seen from the outwardly extending flange—opposite the cover, thecapsule as well as the separate crushable element are relatively easy tomanufacture. Furthermore by means of the separate crushable element asatisfactory sealing with the enclosing member provided with radiallyextending open grooves can be provided.

Regarding the preferred embodiments of the system as mentioned in thedependent claims which relate to the same features as the features ofthe dependent claims of the capsule reference is made to the above.

The invention is particularly suitable in a system according to theinvention wherein, in use, the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosingmember of the beverage preparation device is in the range of 6-20 bar,preferably between 12 and 18 bar. Even at these high pressures asatisfactory seal between capsule and beverage preparation device can beobtained.

Preferably the system is arranged such that, in use, during brewing, afree end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceexerts a force F2 on the outwardly extending flange (and—if present—thesealing member arranged thereon) of the capsule arranged on theoutwardly extending flange of the capsule to provide a fluid sealingcontact between the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein F2 is inthe range of 500-1500 N preferably in the range of 750-1250 N when thefluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member of the beverage preparationdevice outside the capsule is in the range of 6-20 bar, preferablybetween 12 and 18 bar. In particular the system is arranged such that,in use, prior to or at the start of brewing, a free end of the enclosingmember of the beverage preparation device exerts a force F1 on thesealing member of the capsule arranged on the outwardly extending flangeof the capsule to provide a fluid sealing contact between the outwardlyextending flange of the capsule and the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device, wherein F1 is in the range of 30-150 N preferably inthe range of 40-150 N, more preferably 50-100 N, when the fluid pressureP1 in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device outsidethe capsule is in the range of 0.1-4 bar, preferably between 0.1-1 bar.

In an embodiment of a system according to the invention wherein theplurality of radially extending open grooves are uniformly spacedrelative to each other in tangential direction of the free contact endof the annular element of the beverage preparation device so that it iseasier for a user to take out the capsule while a satisfactory sealbetween capsule and beverage preparation device can still be provided.

In an advantageous embodiment of a system according to the invention thelongest tangential width of each groove (top to top, i.e. equal to thegroove to groove pitch) is 0.9-1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, morepreferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm, wherein a maximal height of each groove inan axial direction of the enclosing member of the beverage preparationdevice is 0.01-0.09 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably0.045 to 0.055 mm, most preferred 0.05 mm and wherein the number ofgrooves is 90 to 110, preferably 96. The radial width of the annular endsurface at the location of the grooves may for instance be 0.05-0.9 mm,preferably 0.2-0.7 mm and more preferably 0.3-0.55 mm.

The invention is in particular suitable when applied to an embodiment ofsystem according to the invention in which during use when the closingmember of the beverage preparation device closes the enclosing member ofthe beverage preparation device, at least the free contact end of theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device can move relative tothe closing member of the beverage preparation device under the effectof the pressure of the fluid in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device towards the closing member of the beveragepreparation device for applying the maximum force between the flange ofthe capsule and the free end of the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device. The enclosing member may comprise a first part and asecond part wherein the second part comprises the free contact end ofthe enclosing member wherein the second part can move relative to thefirst part between a first and second position. The second part can movefrom the first position towards the second position in the direction ofthe closing member under the influence of fluid pressure in theenclosing member. The force F1 as discussed above may be reached if thesecond part is in the first position with a fluid pressure P1. The forceF2 as discussed above may be reached if the second part is moved towardsthe second position under the influence of the fluid pressure P2 in theenclosing member.

In an embodiment of a system according to the invention the fluid supplymeans are arranged for supplying a flow of fluid in the range of 0.5-2ml/s, wherein the fluid sealing contact provided by the sealing memberprovides a leakage percentage of less then 4%, preferably less than 2.5%of said flow. The sealing member provides a satisfactory seal when theleakage percentage is within these ranges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further elucidated by means of, non-limiting,examples referring to the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a systemaccording to the invention;

FIG. 2 in a perspective view shows an embodiment of a beveragepreparation device of a system according to the invention showing thefree contact end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparationdevice with the plurality of radially extending open grooves;

FIG. 3A in cross section shows an embodiment of a capsule according tothe invention before use;

FIG. 3B shows an enlarged detail of the capsule of FIG. 3A showing theoutwardly extending flange and the sealing member;

FIG. 3C shows an enlarged detail of the outwardly extending flange ofthe capsule in FIGS. 3A and 3B after use;

FIG. 4A in perspective shows a first embodiment of a capsule accordingto the invention with a separate annular crushable element made ofaluminum as sealing member stacked on the outwardly extending flange ofthe capsule;

FIG. 4B in perspective shows the separate annular crushable element madeof aluminum of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C in cross-section shows the separate annular crushable elementmade of aluminum of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D in cross-section shows the separate annular crushable elementmade of aluminum of FIG. 4A in an embodiment having an Al-foil arrangedon a surface of the annular crushable element opposite the outwardlyextending flange;

FIG. 4E in cross-section shows the separate annular crushable elementmade of aluminum of FIG. 4A in an embodiment having an Al-foil arrangedbetween the annular crushable element and the outwardly extendingflange;

FIG. 4F in cross-section shows the separate annular crushable elementmade of aluminum of FIG. 4A in an embodiment having an Al-foil arrangedon a surface of the annular crushable element opposite the side wall,between the annular crushable element and the side wall, and between theannular crushable element and the outwardly extending flange;

FIG. 4G in cross-section shows the separate annular crushable elementmade of aluminum of FIG. 4A in an embodiment having a single Al-foilarranged on and wrapped around all sides of the annular crushableelement;

FIG. 4H in cross-section shows the separate annular crushable elementmade of aluminum of FIG. 4A in an embodiment having an Al-foil arrangedon a surface of the annular crushable element opposite the outwardlyextending flange and having another Al-foil arranged on a surface of theannular crushable element opposite the side wall, between the annularcrushable element and the side wall, and between the annular crushableelement and the outwardly extending flange;

FIG. 4I in cross-section shows the separate annular crushable elementmade of aluminum of FIG. 4A in an embodiment having an Al-foil arrangedon a surface of the annular crushable element opposite the outwardlyextending flange and on a surface of the annular crushable elementopposite the side wall;

FIG. 5A in perspective shows a further embodiment of capsule accordingto the invention in which the sealing member comprises a plurality ofAl-foils randomly applied in layers on a surface of the outwardlyextending flange opposite the cover and on the side wall of the capsule;

FIG. 5B in perspective shows another embodiment of capsule according tothe invention in which the sealing member comprises a plurality ofAl-foils randomly applied in layers only on a surface of the outwardlyextending flange opposite the cover;

FIG. 5C in perspective shows a still further embodiment of a capsuleaccording to the invention in which the sealing member comprises aplurality of Al-foils randomly applied in layers only on the side wallof the capsule;

FIG. 5D in perspective shows a further embodiment of a capsule accordingto the invention in which the separate crushable element comprises avertically corrugated two ply Al-foil having a thickness of 10 μmarranged around the side wall which is provided with an Al-collarbetween the side wall and the vertically corrugated Al-foil;

FIG. 5E in perspective shows a still further embodiment of a capsuleaccording to the invention in which the separate crushable elementcomprises a vertically corrugated two ply Al-foil which is provided withan Al-collar on a side of the vertically corrugated Al-foil opposite theoutwardly extending flange and with an Al-collar on a side of verticallycorrugated Al-foil between the outwardly extending flange and thevertically corrugated Al-foil; and

FIG. 5F in perspective shows a fourth embodiment of a capsule accordingto the invention in which the separate crushable element comprises avertically corrugated two ply Al-foil which is provided with anAl-collar on a side of vertically corrugated Al-foil opposite the sidewall and with an Al-collar on a side of vertically corrugated Al-foilbetween the side wall and the vertically corrugated Al-foil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Figures and the following description, like reference numeralsrefer to like features.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation, in cross sectional view, of anembodiment of a system 1 for preparing a potable beverage from a capsuleusing a fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule. The system 1comprises a capsule 2, and a beverage preparation device 4. The device 4comprises enclosing member 6 for holding the capsule 2. The device 4further comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, 8 forsupporting the capsule 2.

In FIG. 1 a gap is drawn between the capsule 2, the enclosing member 6and the extraction plate 8 for clarity. It will be appreciated that, inuse, the capsule 2 may lie in contact with the enclosing member 6 andthe extraction plate member 8. Commonly, the enclosing member 6 has ashape complementary to the shape of the capsule 2. The device 4 furthercomprises a fluid supply means 10 for supplying an amount of a fluid,such as water, under a pressure in the range of 6-20 bar, preferablybetween 12 and 18 bar, to the exchangeable capsule 2.

In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the exchangeable capsule 2 comprises analuminum capsule body 12 having a central capsule body axis 12A and analuminum cover 14 with a cover wall thickness. In the present context,the meaning of ‘aluminum’ is understood to also include aluminum alloy,but preferably grade 1000 series Al is used. In this example, thealuminum capsule body 12 comprises a side wall 16, a bottom 18 closingthe side wall 16 at a first end, and an outwardly extending flange 20extending outwardly of the circumferential wall 16 at a second endopposite the bottom 18. The side wall 16, the bottom 18 and the cover 14enclose an inner space 22 comprising a substance for the preparation ofa potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance.Preferably the substance is an extractable substance, preferably 5-20grams, preferably 5-10 grams, more preferably 5-7 grams of roasted andground coffee for the preparation of a single beverage. The capsule isinitially sealed, i.e. is hermetically closed prior to use.

The system 1 of FIG. 1 comprises bottom piercing means 24 for piercingthe bottom 18 of the capsule 2 for creating at least one entranceopening 25 in the bottom 18 for supplying the fluid to the extractableproduct through the entrance opening 25.

The system 1 of FIG. 1 further comprises cover piercing means 26, hereembodied as protrusions of the closing member 8, for piercing the cover14 of the capsule 2. The cover piercing means 26 may be arranged to tearthe cover 14 once a (fluid) pressure inside the inner space 22 exceeds athreshold pressure and presses the cover 14 against the cover piercingmeans 26 with sufficient force. The aluminum cover 14 thus is arrangedto tear open on the closing member 8 of the beverage preparation deviceunder the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule.

The capsule 2 further comprises a sealing member 28, in FIGS. 1, 3A and3B indicated as a general box but more detailed described with regard toFIGS. 4 and 5 , which sealing member 28 comprises a separate crushableelement made of aluminum provided on the capsule body at a side thereof,which side is—when seen from the outwardly extending flange 20—oppositethe cover 14 for providing a fluid sealing contact with the enclosingmember 6 if the capsule 2 is positioned in the enclosing member 6 andthe enclosing member 6 is closed by means of the extraction plate 8,such that the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and atleast a portion of the sealing member 28 are sealingly engaged betweenthe enclosing member 6 and the extraction plate 8.

As shown in FIG. 2 the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparationdevice comprises an annular element 41 having a central annular elementaxis 41A and a free contact end 30. The free contact end 30 of theannular element 41 is provided with a plurality of radially extendingopen grooves 40. The plurality of radially extending open grooves 40 areuniformly spaced relative to each other in tangential direction of thefree contact end 30 of the annular element 41. The longest tangentialwidth of each groove 40 is 0.9-1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, morepreferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm, wherein a maximal height of each groove 40in an axial direction of the enclosing member 6 is 0.01-0.09 mm,preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm, and mostpreferred 0.05 mm. The number of grooves 40 lies in the range of 90 to110, preferably 96. Usually, the radial width of the free end at thelocation of the grooves is 0.05-0.9 mm, more specifically 0.2-0.7 mm,more specifically 0.3-0.55 mm.

An embodiment of a capsule according to the invention is shown moredetailed in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In the shown embodiment the outer diameterODF of the outwardly extending flange 20 is larger than the diameter DBof the bottom 18 of the capsule 2. In the shown embodiment the outerdiameter ODF of the outwardly extending flange 20 is approximately 37.1mm and the diameter DB of the bottom 18 is about 23.3 mm. The thicknessof the aluminum capsule body 12 is such that it is deformed easily ifthe capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of aclosing member of the beverage preparation device, preferably thethickness of the aluminum capsule body is 100 micrometer, but in otherembodiments the thickness can be 20 to 200 micrometer.

In the shown embodiment, the wall thickness of the aluminum cover 14 is39 micrometer. The wall thickness of the aluminum cover 14 is preferablysmaller than the thickness of the aluminum capsule body 12.

The side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 has a free end 42opposite the bottom 18. The inner diameter IDF of the free end 42 of theside wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 is about 29.5 mm. Theoutwardly extending flange 20 extends from that free end 42 in adirection at least substantially transverse to the central capsule bodyaxis 12A. The outwardly extending flange 20 comprises a curled outeredge 43 which is beneficial for obtaining a seal between the capsule andthe enclosing member. In the shown embodiment the curled outer edge 43of the outwardly extending flange 20 has a largest dimension of about1.2 millimeter. The distance DIF between the free end 42 of the sidewall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and an inner edge 43A of thecurled outer edge 43 is about 2.7 mm, while the distance DOF between thefree end 42 of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and anoutermost edge 43B of the outwardly extending flange 20 is about 3.8millimeter. The radius about the central capsule body axis of the inneredge 43A of the curled outer edge 43 is preferably at least 32 mm.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B the sealing member 28 is positioned on thecapsule body at a side thereof, which side is—when seen from theoutwardly extending flange—opposite the cover 14 between the inner edge43A of the curled outer edge 42 of the outwardly extending flange andextends up to the side wall 16. The sealing member 28 is indicated as ageneral box, but will be described in more detail below, and e.g. can bearranged on the outwardly extending flange only, arranged around theside wall only or a combination of both.

As can be seen from FIG. 3A the aluminum capsule body 12 is truncated.In the embodiment shown, the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body12 encloses an angle A with a line transverse to the central capsulebody axis 12A of about 97.5°. The bottom 18 of the aluminum capsule body12 has a largest inner diameter DB of about 23.3 mm. The bottom 18 ofthe aluminum capsule body 12 is also truncated, and in the shownembodiment has a bottom height BH of about 4.0 mm. The bottom 18 furtherhas a generally flat central portion 18A opposite the cover 14, whichcentral portion 18A has a diameter DEE of about 8.3 mm and in whichcentral portion 18A the entrance opening(s) 25 may be made. The entranceopenings may also be made in the truncated portion between the centralportion 18A and the side wall 16. The total height TH of the aluminumcapsule body 12 of the capsule is about 28.4 mm.

The system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is operated as follows for preparing a cupof a potable beverage, in the present example coffee, wherein thesubstance is roasted and ground coffee.

The capsule 2 is placed in the enclosing member 6. The extraction plate8 is brought into contact with the capsule 2. The bottom piercing means24 pierce the bottom 18 of the capsule 2 for creating the entranceopenings 25. The fluid, here hot water under pressure, is supplied tothe extractable product in the inner space 22 through the entranceopenings 25. The water will wet the coffee grounds and extract thedesired substances to form the coffee beverage.

During supplying the water under pressure to the inner space 22, thepressure inside the capsule 2 will rise. The rise in pressure will causethe cover 14 to deform and be pressed against the cover piercing means26 of the extraction plate. Once the pressure reaches a certain level,the tear strength of the cover 14 will be surpassed and the cover 14will rupture against the cover piercing means 26, creating exitopenings. The prepared coffee will drain from the capsule 2 through theexit openings and outlets 32 (see FIG. 1 ) of the extraction plate 8,and may be supplied to a container such as a cup (not shown).

The system 1 is arranged such that prior to or at the start of brewing,the free contact end 30 of the enclosing member 6 exerts a force F1 onthe outwardly extending flange 20 (and—if present—the sealing member 28arranged thereon) of the capsule 2 to provide a fluid sealing contactbetween the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and theenclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation device, wherein F1 is inthe range of 30-150 N preferably 40-150 N, more preferably 50-100 N,when the fluid pressure P1 in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 0.1-4 bar,preferably 0.1-1 bar. During brewing, the free contact end 30 of theenclosing member 6 exerts a force F2 on the outwardly extending flange20 of the capsule 2 to provide a fluid sealing contact between theoutwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and the enclosing member6, wherein the force F2 is in the range of 500-1500 N, preferably in therange of 750-1250 N, when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member6 of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule 2 is in therange of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar. In the shownembodiment the free contact end 30 of enclosing member 6 can moverelative to the extracting plate 8 under the effect of the pressure ofthe fluid in the enclosing member 6 device towards the extraction plate8 for applying the maximum force F2 between the outwardly extendingflange 20 and the free end 30 of the enclosing member 6. This movementcan take place during use, i.e. in particular at the start of brewingand during brewing. The enclosing member 6 has a first part 6A and asecond part 6B wherein the second part comprises the free contact end30. The second part 6B can move relative to the first part 6A between afirst and second position. The second part 6B can move from the firstposition towards the second position in the direction of the closingmember 8 under the influence of fluid pressure in the enclosing member6. The force F1 as discussed above may be reached if the second part 6Bis in the first position with a fluid pressure P1. The force F2 asdiscussed above may be reached if the second part 6B is moved towardsthe second position under the influence of the fluid pressure P2 in theenclosing member 6.

As a result of the force applied the sealing member 28 of the capsuleaccording to the invention undergoes a plastic deformation and closelyconforms to the grooves 40 of the free contact end 30 and thus providesa fluid sealing contact between the enclosing member 6 and the capsule 3at a relatively low fluid pressure during start up of brewing but alsoprovides a fluid sealing contact at the much higher fluid pressure inthe enclosing member outside the capsule during brewing. This closeconformation to the grooves 40 of the enclosing member is indicated inFIG. 3C which shows the capsule 2 of the invention after use, and whichclearly indicates that the outwardly extending flange 20 comprisesdeformations 40′ which conform to the grooves 40 of the enclosingmember.

Now exemplary embodiments of a capsule according to the invention havingsealing member comprising a separate crushable element 28 made ofaluminum provided on the capsule body at a side thereof, which sideis—when seen from the outwardly extending flange—opposite the cover willbe described in more detail with regard to FIGS. 4 and 5 . In the shownembodiments the separate crushable element 28 is made of series 1000aluminum. In addition in the shown embodiments the outwardly extendingflange is flat and extends transversely to the central capsule bodyaxis. It will be clear that in different embodiment the outwardlyextending flange can enclose an angle with the normal to the centralcapsule body axis. Further, in the shown embodiments the separatecrushable element is loosely arranged on the capsule body, but ifrequired can in other embodiments be attached to the capsule body, forexample by means of welding. Finally, in all the shown embodiments theseparate crushable element is positioned such that if the capsule ispositioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation devicethe free contact end 30 of the second part 6B and/or the inner surfaceof the second part 6B is in contact with the separate crushable element28.

FIG. 4A in perspective shows a first embodiment of a capsule 2 accordingto the invention with an separate annular crushable element 28 made ofaluminum as sealing member stacked on the outwardly extending flange 20of the capsule 2. In FIG. 4B shows the separate annular crushableelement 28 of FIG. 4A is shown in perspective, while FIG. 4C shows thecross-section thereof. The separate crushable element 28 is made ofaluminum having an effective density of about 10% Al and thus is formedas an annulus or a ring provided on the surface of the outwardlyextending flange 20 opposite the cover. The ring 28 has an outerdiameter of 34 mm, an inner diameter of 30 mm, a thickness of 1 mm and amass of about 0.07 grams, and when places on the capsule 2 the ring 28surrounds the side wall 16. The separate crushable element 28 can beformed from two Al-foils having a thickness of 0.3 μm which arecompressed to the annulus or ring, which can be compared with a washer.The ring 28 can according to the invention alternatively be formed bybeing die cut from 32 layers of 10 μm Al-foil pressed together to asingle washer. The ring 28 can according to the invention alternativelybe formed by being formed of eight Al-layers each having the samethickness as the cover (e.g. 39 micrometer), each Al-layer beingseparately die cut and stacked on each other on the outwardly extendingflange 20 to form the annular sealing member 28 or by being formed ofseven Al-layers each having the same thickness as the cover, said sevenAl-layers being stacked and thereafter die cut and arranged on theoutwardly extending flange 20.

In FIG. 4D an embodiment of the separate annular crushable element 28made of aluminum of FIG. 4A is shown in cross-section further having anAl-foil 50 having a thickness of 0.3 μm arranged on a surface of theannular crushable element 28 opposite the outwardly extending flange 20.

In FIG. 4E an embodiment of the separate annular crushable element 28made of aluminum of FIG. 4A is shown in cross-section further having anAl-foil 51 having a thickness of 0.3 μm arranged between the annularcrushable element 28 and the outwardly extending flange 20.

In FIG. 4F a further embodiment of the separate annular crushableelement 28 made of aluminum of FIG. 4A is shown in cross-section furtherhaving an Al-foil 52 having a thickness of 0.3 μm arranged on a surfaceof the annular crushable element 28 opposite the side wall 16, betweenthe annular crushable element 28 and the side wall 16, and between theannular crushable element 28 and the outwardly extending flange 20.

In FIG. 4G a yet further embodiment of the separate annular crushableelement 28 made of aluminum of FIG. 4A is shown in cross-section furthera single Al-foil 53 having a thickness of 0.3 μm arranged on and wrappedaround all sides of the annular crushable element 28.

In FIG. 4H another embodiment of the separate annular crushable element28 made of aluminum of FIG. 4A is shown in cross-section further havingan Al-foil 55 having a thickness of 0.3 μm arranged on a surface of theannular crushable element 28 opposite the outwardly extending flange 20and having another Al-foil 54 having a thickness of 0.3 μm arranged on asurface of the annular crushable element 28 opposite the side wall 16,between the annular crushable element 28 and the side wall 16 andbetween the annular crushable element 28 and the outwardly extendingflange 20.

In FIG. 4I a yet further embodiment of the separate annular crushableelement 28 made of aluminum of FIG. 4A is shown in cross-section furtherhaving an Al-foil 56 having a thickness of 0.3 μm arranged on a surfaceof the annular crushable element 28 opposite the outwardly extendingflange 20 and on a surface of the annular crushable element 28 oppositethe side wall 16.

FIG. 5A in perspective shows a further embodiment of a capsule 2according to the invention in which the sealing member 28 comprises aplurality of Al-foils randomly applied in layers on a surface of theoutwardly extending flange 20 opposite the cover and on the side wall 16of the capsule. The plurality of Al-foils cover at least 40% of thetotal height TH of the capsule body, preferably the plurality ofAl-foils cover 50% of the total height TH of the capsule body. Each ofthe Al-foils has a thickness of 0.3 μm.

In FIG. 5B another embodiment of a capsule 2 according to the inventionis shown in perspective in which with regard to the embodiment shown inFIG. 5A the randomly applied plurality of Al-foils is provided in layersonly on a surface of the outwardly extending flange 20 opposite thecover.

In FIG. 5C yet another embodiment of a capsule 2 according to theinvention is shown in perspective in with regard to the embodiment shownin FIG. 5A the randomly applied plurality of Al-foils is provided inlayers only on the side wall 16 of the capsule 2.

In FIG. 5D a further embodiment of a capsule 2 according to theinvention is shown in perspective in which the separate crushableelement 28 comprises a vertically (i.e. parallel to the central bodyaxis) corrugated two ply Al-foil having a thickness of 10 μm arrangedaround the side wall 16 which is provided with an Al-collar 60 betweenthe side wall 16 and the vertically corrugated Al-foil. The foldedAl-foil extends from the outwardly extending flange 20 over about 20 to40% of the total height TH of the capsule body, preferably over about25% of the total height TH of the capsule body.

In FIG. 5E a still further embodiment of a capsule 2 according to theinvention is shown in perspective in which the separate crushableelement 28 comprises a vertically corrugated two ply Al-foil which isprovided with an Al-collar 61 on a side of the vertically corrugatedAl-foil opposite the outwardly extending flange 20 and with an Al-collar62 on a side of vertically corrugated Al-foil between the outwardlyextending flange 20 and the vertically corrugated Al-foil.

In FIG. 5F a yet further embodiment of a capsule 2 according to theinvention is shown in perspective in which the separate crushableelement 28 comprises a vertically corrugated two ply Al-foil which isprovided with an Al-collar 63 on a side of vertically corrugated Al-foilopposite the side wall 16 and with an Al-collar 60 on a side ofvertically corrugated Al-foil between the side wall 16 and thevertically corrugated Al-foil.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will,however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be madetherein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of theinvention as set forth in the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A capsule for use with an enclosing memberand a closing member of a beverage preparation device, and containing asubstance for the preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/ordissolving the substance by a fluid supplied under pressure into thecapsule by the beverage preparation device, the capsule comprising: analuminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis and a totalheight (TH), said aluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, aside wall and an outwardly extending flange, an aluminum cover attachedto the outwardly extending flange, the cover having a cover wallthickness and hermetically closing the capsule, a sealing member forproviding a fluid sealing contact with the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by the closing member of the beverage preparationdevice, such that the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and atleast a portion of the sealing member of the capsule provide a sealingbetween the enclosing member and the closing member of the beveragepreparation device, wherein the sealing member comprises a separatecrushable element which is not integrally formed together with thealuminum capsule body, said separate crushable element being made ofaluminum and being provided on the capsule body at a side thereof, whichside is—when seen from the outwardly extending flange—opposite thecover, wherein the separate crushable element consists of two Al-foilseach having a thickness of 0.3 μm compressed to a washer, said washerbeing arranged on a surface of the outwardly extending flange oppositethe cover.
 2. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the separatecrushable element is made of aluminum having an effective density of 10%Al.
 3. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the separate crushableelement is a ring provided on the surface of the outwardly extendingflange opposite the cover, said ring having an outer diameter of 34 mm,an inner diameter of 30 mm, a thickness of 1 mm and a mass of 0.07grams, said ring surrounding the side wall.
 4. The capsule according toclaim 3, wherein on a surface of the ring opposite the outwardlyextending flange the ring is covered with an Al-foil.
 5. The capsuleaccording to claim 3, wherein between the ring and the outwardlyextending flange an Al-foil is arranged.
 6. The capsule according toclaim 3, wherein on a surface of the ring between the ring and the sidewall an Al-foil is arranged.
 7. The capsule according to claim 3,wherein on a surface of the ring opposite the side wall the ring iscovered with an Al-foil.
 8. The capsule according to claim 3, whereinthe ring extends towards the bottom of the capsule, said ring beingprovided with a sleeve provided at the inner diameter thereof.
 9. Thecapsule according to claim 1, wherein the washer has an inner diameterand is provided with a sleeve extending towards the bottom of thecapsule, said sleeve being provided at the inner diameter.
 10. Thecapsule according to claim 1, wherein the aluminum is grade 1000 seriesAl.
 11. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member isloose from the side wall and the outwardly extending flange.
 12. Thecapsule according to claim 1, wherein the outwardly extending flange isflat and extends transversely to the central capsule body axis.